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Rekha Tourani is one of Dubai's prominent fashionistas. And she is usually seen in the front rows at fashion shows in the city. Reema Shetty, executive director of the NMC Group, admits that she knows little about fashion and rarely has the time to go to fashion shows.
Marjorie Raymond is an artist who likes to keep track of fashion trends. Liza Jimenez de Luna is an interior designer. And Alanoud Badr runs an online boutique. What do all these women have in common?
Believe it or not, they are all currently preparing to make their debut on the catwalk. They are among the 20 well-known personalities from Dubai who have been invited to walk the ramp along with top professional models at Samsaara's Society Soiree 2008. The red carpet fashion gala will be held at Raffles Hotel, Dubai on Monday night.
The show stopper at this exclusive, by-invitation-only event will be hot Bollywood hunk, John Abraham. And adding to the celebrity quotient will be actresses Mandira Bedi and Minissha Lamba. They will all show off the autumn-winter 2008 collections by top Indian designers Vikram Phadnis, Rocky S, Satya Paul and Deepika Gehani.
As they go through fittings and rehearsals, the ‘models' are excited. “My life is usually about business meetings and attending conferences. This is so different. It makes me feel like I am 16 again," said Shetty. Tourani is looking forward to opening the show in a flamboyant Vikram Phadnis gown. “I am nervous but I think this is an excellent idea because seeing ordinary women like us on the ramp will make other women realise that you don't have to be a size zero model to look good in these clothes," she said.
Celebrate women
Raymond is thrilled with the gold and red Deepika Gehani dress she has chosen. “I am of Indo-French origin and love the colours and ethnic clothes of India. But I am really surprised to see the excellent Western clothes by Indian designers. And I am impressed by the colours, workmanship and detailing of the clothes," she said.
“This is going to be fun. I don't know how to walk like a model, so I am just going to be myself; and I am also looking forward to meeting other Dubai women from different professions and nationalities," she added.
The unique concept of this show was developed by Rohini Gehani, owner of Samsaara, a multibrand designer boutique, located in the Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Burj Dubai. And the event has been organised by Rachna Chadha. “We wanted to celebrate women the strength, integrity, substance and soul of a woman," said Chadha.
“This is not about showcasing the wealth and vanity of society. It is about recognising women who have contributed to society in their own special way. Whether they are businesswomen, professionals or housewives, they all have a critical role in the growth and evolution of society in a big city like Dubai. With their grit and glamour, these women have put Dubai society on the international map. And we want to salute them," she added.
The designers are equally excited about the show. “The fashion savvy women of Dubai love my bling and glamour and I love creating for them. It will be great to see the charming socialites of Dubai on the ramp in my creations," said Bollywood designer, Vikram Phadnis.
Rocky S, also a favourite with Bollywood stars, has been designing for Abraham for a long time. “John is a style icon. He has great body language, a physique to die for and the ability to carry all kinds of clothes with panache. For this show, I am planning to dress him in a dapper, classic suit," he revealed.
And the star trusts him completely. “I don't know what Rocky has designed for me. But I always enjoy walking the ramp for him. And this event sounds like a lot of fun," said Abraham.
About the event
What: Samsaara's Society Soiree 2008 at Raffles Hotel
On the red carpet - Bollywood actors John Abraham, Mandira Bedi, Minissha Lamba, designers Vikram Phadnis, Rocky S, Deepika Gehani, Sanjay Kapoor from Satya Paul, choreographer Sharmila Khanna and well-known Dubai personalities
Hair and make-up Toni & Guy and Inglot.
Designer quotes
Deepika Gehani:
“It's always very exciting to be associated with the city of Dubai. This cosmopolitan city is full of life and is known for its luxurious lifestyle. The culture and fashion sensibilities here are very contemporary, stylish and sophisticated."
Puneet Nanda of Satya Paul:
“We are excited to be associated with this event. We will showcase our Inspiration III collection that is inspired by the Pop Art movement of the 1950's and icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Andy Warhol."
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